Attachment avoidance moderates the effects of parenting on Chinese adolescents’ having an inner compass

Inner compass (IC) is a schema composed of values, interests and goals that can guide the individual to make life choices that are congruent with their authentic self and basic needs. Past research has shown that having an IC predicts adolescents’ optimal functioning, contributing to positive outcomes such as identity formation, resilience against negative peer influences, and well-being. The current research explored the role of parents on Chinese adolescents’ having an IC. Specifically, we hypothesized that children were more likely to have an IC if their parents (1) demonstrated inherent values (IVD) in their behavior to children, (2) supported an open exploration and examination of values (SVE) in children, and (3) fostered an inner valuing (FIV) in their children based on authentic values and interests, especially when confronted with difficult situations and social pressure. We also hypothesized that attachment avoidance may attenuate the parenting effects, especially for FIV and SVE, which are more direct parental influences. Results supported our hypothesis, showing significant positive effects of all three parenting styles on having an IC, and that these effects were weaker when children have high attachment avoidance with parents. The current research contributes to the integration of attachment theory and self-determination theory.